KP community - thanks

[terrapin]

Hi everyone. Thanks to Mel for setting up this site. I regret that I didn't find it until just now. I first noticed KP on my arms when I was around 20 years old, although I suspect I may have had it to some degree my whole life. I remember a cousin of mine commenting on bumps on my arm when I was pretty young. It was just noticeable on my arms until about two years ago (I'm 32 now). Now it has spread a little over my shoulders and on my torso, but to a much lesser extent. It is also on my butt and thighs, which as you know, is not uncommon. I have a fairly hairy butt and legs, which tends to cover up the KP there. However, My arms are pretty severely covered at this point (outer forerms to a lesser extent).

I'm definitely a veteran of the KP wars at this point. I've had various things prescribed over the years, and tried them all, mostly with no beneficial results, just a lot of greasy arms at night. Last year I went back to Dr. Derma for an unrelated problem and he gave me the Carmol and something else to alternate during the day/night. I tried the routine for a couple weeks, and again no significant results.

I saw the article posted recently on epinion and also posted in another thread here. Based on that article, I've been trying the Dove Nutrium body wash with a light scrub sponge in the shower, and then using a high concentration hydrolic acid (but not too greasy) at night. The lotion is just a generic Walgreen's brand (I'm in San Francisco). It's not clearing anything up much, BUT my skin feels a lot better, which is something. Lately, I've been a lot less irritated with the KP than just having pretty dry skin in general. It's not very humid here in San Francisco, and it tends to be cool most of the time. I'm very active as well, so I'm in and out of the shower a lot. I swim a few times a week. Also, as some other posters have suggested, I try to religiously hit the steam room and sauna every day I'm at the gym. I think it helps with skin exfoliation, opens up your pores, but also is great to help with relieving stress and tension. I find my skin feels a little better after this as well.

At this point in my life, I've resolved that my KP probably will never go away and likely will get worse. It does cause some mental distress on occasion, but then I reassure myself that getting upset over a harmless skin condition that is essentially beyond my control is a real waste of mental energy. While I don't want to dismiss the significance of KP in people's lives, don't forget about the folks out there who were born with serious disabilites or are genetically predisposed to cancer or heart problems. Anyway, this perspective helps me out. For those of you worried about the social/intimacy problems related to KP: yes, this condition can be distressing, but trust me, anyone worth caring about in your life will overlook this problem. Remember, nobody, and I mean nobody, is perfect. I just got engaged to a wonderful woman in April who knows all about my battles with KP and is very supportive. Remember, don't get too distressed over something that might be beyond your control. Be proud of who and what you are and people will always find you attractive.

Thanks again for the great site. I look forward to checking in often. Anyone, please feel free to contact me by e-mail.

[Throcky]

Terrapin,

That was a nice post. I guess we are in similar boats. Congrats on the engagement. My wife is very cool about the KP. She says it's not that bad and to just QUIT PICKING AT IT!!!!

I probably should have been a Dermotologist because I love to pop things and KP provides plenty of popping opportunities.

I just get bummed that my KP has spread and become worse each year.

Fortunately, most of my KP is covered. I don't get it on my calves or forearms. So, with my shorts and a tee shirt on it's not noticeable. When I take my shirt off ,there is some anxiety because it has spread to the backs of my shoulders and shoulder blade area. I just don't like walking aroung with "white head" looking things. Hince the picking.

I really think my worst spot is my rear end area. I don't know if it's because it doesn't get much air and I'm sitting most of the day or what, but if I was a single guy I would be a wreck!

We are having our first child on Wednesday and I just really hope he doesn't get this ****. If he does, at least I will be there to help him through it and get him started on a regimine. I had to figure this out on my own.

Take care and good luck with everything.